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Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Decommissioning Nuclear Power Plants (NUREG/BR-0521, Revision 1)

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Overview

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NUREG/BR-0521, Revision 1 (PDF – 3.74 MB)

Publication Information

Date Published: June 2017

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Overview

When a power company decides to close a nuclear power plant permanently, the facility must be decommissioned by safely removing it from service and reducing residual radioactivity to a level that permits release of the property and termination of the operating license. The NRC has strict rules governing nuclear power plant decommissioning, involving cleanup of radioactively contaminated plant systems and structures and removal of the radioactive fuel. These requirements protect workers and the public during the entire decommissioning process and protect the public after the license is terminated.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021